Sikh temple contested in east Oxford

30 Nov, 2011

Neighbours are objecting to requests for planning permission for a Sikh temple in Marston in east Oxford. The house has been used unofficially as a temple since 2006 but repeated complaints about noise and parking finally forced the city council to order the group to stop its activities in May this year.

Planning permission for a new building with extra parking facilities to be constructed at the back of the same premises is being contested. According to a report in the Oxford Mail residents in the area claim that it will block natural light, is not necessary and will not fit in with the rest of the street.

The Sikh community that was using the premises was refused permission to turn the location into a site of worship in 2009.